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Home > About childhood cancer > Online Community > Community Tips >Member Details
Name:
Debbie
User type:
Parent or Guardian of Child With Cancer
Member Stories
Edwards Story
My youngest Edward was diagnosed with a Pilocystic Astrocytoma in December 2006. I felt as though my world had collapsed. Its so difficult to put into words the emotions you feel as a parent. It was like a bad dream . Edward was an emergency case and had 95% of the tumour removed. The operation took several hours with 12 further hours in recovery. Our best Christmas present was the Doctors allowing him home Christmas Eve and the biopsy result giving him the all clear. All had been well for a year when nearly to the date of the first diagnosis we were told he'd have to have a second operation to remove the rest of the tumour as there was signs that it had increased in size. Again he went through the same procedure and the Doctors are confiedent they have removed all this time. Each time Edward has surpised us and bounced back. One thing that brought more tears was when my son said he didn't tell me he was scared as he didn't want to make me cry. Edward has been extremly brave and we love him to bits.
Member Tips
Parents
Don't bottle up the emotions. Take each day at a time. When discussing treatment/procedures with the doctors it can be all too easy to forget what the they say the first time round. Don't be afraid to go back and speak to the Doctors and ask them questions, you are not being a nuiscance. Most hospitals have a support network like CLICSargent and the nurses should be able to give you information on support. Grandparents/family and friends may say the wrong thing without realising, be patient with them they're going through the same emotions and feelings. One other thing look after yourself you need to stay well its so easy to not eat / sleep through worry. You need to stay well to look after your child when they're home from hospital.